T.O.C. # 11 Easy Steps to a Great Thesis Statement

General Tips about Thesis Statements 1. A statement that contains the essay’s topic and your viewpoint 2. Usually comes at the end of the introduction 3. Everything in the essay must support the thesis.

There are 2 kinds of thesis statements 1. The list 2. The umbrella

The LIST  Contains essay’s topic, point, and three supporting reasons  Example: “To reduce the number of highway fatalities [topic and point], our country needs [purpose=persuasive] to enforce the national law that designates twenty-one as the legal minimum age to drink, set up check points on major holidays, and take away licenses from convicted drunk drivers [three reasons].”

The UMBRELLA  Contains essay’s topic, point, and alludes to reasons why the reader should believe you.  Do not directly state the supporting reasons, but instead allude to them.  Example: “Although thought to be humane and necessary, animal testing [topic] for medical and cosmetic purposes does not live up to it’s promises [point and reasons].”  Do NOT use language like, “There are many reasons people don’t like chocolate ice cream.”

Thesis Don’ts  Announce your thesis: “In this essay, I am going to tell you…  Confuse your reader: Just make sure that the topic and point are clear.  Cannot be a fact: Don’t state a fact.  Don’t be vague: Words like “good,” “bad,” “right,” and “wrong,” don’t convey specific meaning.  Cannot be a question: “Don’t you think animal testing is inhumane?”  Does not give the point of the paper.  Leaves it open for readers to fill in the blank.

Example of How to Create a Thesis Statement  Based on the topic below, an umbrella and list thesis statement are shown.  Topic: Being a successful MTSU student

Difference Between a List & Umbrella Thesis Statement  List: “Although MTSU may offer rigorous courses, each student can be successful as long as they study, receive tutoring, and meet with their instructors.”  Umbrella: “MTSU can be a challenging school, but all students can be successful.”

Group Learning Activity  Let’s work together to create a thesis statement for the following: 1. What makes Riverdale better than Blackman? 2. Riverdale pep rallies

T.O.C. #12 Thesis statement for “Everyday Use”